Waste Disposal Plant Combustion Grate Lateral Beam Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing waste disposal plant combustion grates face issues with the positioning of sliding and limiting elements, which leads to increased risk of malfunctions due to exposure to ashes, difficulty in inspection and maintenance, and impaired air flow, as these elements are separated and positioned along the symmetry axis, hindering correct combustion air distribution.

Innovation Solution

The combustion grate design incorporates a carrying frame with lateral beams and transversal cross-beams connected by a structural knot, featuring wheel assemblies and bearing supports that allow movement while maintaining air-tight seals, reducing the need for separate supporting elements and improving accessibility for lubrication and maintenance, and ensuring proper air flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If sliding and limiting elements are positioned along the symmetry axis of the grate, then the structure is simplified, but the risk of malfunctions increases due to exposure to ashes and difficulty in maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidrisk of malfunctions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sliding and limiting elements from the central symmetry axis position and relocates them to the lateral periphery of the grate structure. This extraction removes the elements from the harmful environment (ashes falling in the pressurized volume) while maintaining the structural functionality. The elements are now positioned where they can be easily accessed for maintenance and lubrication without interfering with the central air flow paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If sliding and limiting elements are positioned along the symmetry axis, then structural support is consolidated, but accessibility for lubrication and maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidaccessibility for maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the positioning of sliding and limiting elements from a central vertical dimension (symmetry axis) to a lateral horizontal dimension (periphery of the grate). This dimensional change allows maintenance personnel to access the elements from the sides of the grate structure, making lubrication and inspection straightforward operations without requiring disassembly or complex access procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If separate supporting elements are dedicated to sliding and limiting elements, then each element is properly supported, but the air flow distribution is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelement supportVSAvoidair flow distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the supporting function for sliding and limiting elements with the existing lateral beam structure of the grate. Instead of adding separate supporting elements that would obstruct air flow, the invention integrates the element supports into the lateral beams, which are already part of the grate's structural framework. This merging maintains proper element support while preserving the air flow paths through the grate structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design enhances the reliability and maintainability of the grate by reducing the risk of malfunctions, simplifying maintenance, and ensuring efficient combustion air distribution, thereby supporting continuous operation and minimizing downtime.

Implementation Method 1

wheel assemblies (39) able to determine the sliding between the two frames and elements (12) limiting the movement between them

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The combustion air has in fact the double function of providing the oxygen for the oxidation of the waste

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

The surface of the grate is hit only occasionally by the radiation of the flame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 4

The actuation system is normally made of hydraulic pistons

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP2504622B1A waste disposal plant with modular frame.
Publication Date: 2016.08.03 TME
  • EP2504622B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2504622B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2504622B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A waste disposal plant comprising a combustion chamber (2) inside which waste laid on a combustion grate (3) are burnt, which grate permits the entrance of an adequate quantity of combustion air in the chamber through it. Said combustion grate comprises at least a handling group formed by a plurality of fire bars or plates (7), which move alternatively one with respect to the other by advancing the waste on said grate. Handling means allow the alternate movement of the fire bars (7) which are divided in movable fire bars (7a) and fixed fire bars (7b), alternately disposed one with respect to the other, on transversal rows resting one upon the other according to a longitudinal placement with alternate steps.